19th Century Presidents

A total of 23 individuals served as the President of the United States during the 19th century. Some of these individuals became immensely popular during their term and took landmark measures.

Others proved incompetent and were seen as ineffective. Yet others are today regarded as Presidents who made wrong decisions and brought the country to the brink of ruin. Following is an overview of these individuals.

Best 19th Century America Presidents

Today, Abraham Lincoln is regarded as the most iconic president of the 19th century. Lincoln has become a giant in history because he led United States through the Civil War, secured the victory for the Union forces and became the person who ultimately abolished slavery in America.

Other notable presidents of the 19th century include some of the Founding Fathers who served in the office in the early decades. Thomas Jefferson, for instance, remains one of the most popular presidents in U.S. history.

Andrew Jackson was another 19th century president who achieved fame as a war hero and remained immensely popular during his term. Other 19th century presidents who are regarded as successful or popular include James Monroe and Ulysses S. Grant.

Worst 19th Century America Presidents

A number of presidents who served in the office during the 19th century proved incompetent. Slavery was a contentious issue during this period. And many presidents who supported slavery or sided with the southern states are today regarded among the worst presidents of the century.

Millard Fillmore is regarded as one of the worst 19th century presidents. Although Fillmore helped reconcile the North and the South through the Compromise of 1850, he also supported the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850. This made him immensely unpopular, especially in the North.

Another unpopular president of the period was Franklin Pierce whose support for the Kansas-Nebraska Act eroded his popularity among the Free states. James Buchanan is also criticized and regarded as a failure because he couldn’t bridge the rising differences between the North and the South during his term.

19th Century America Presidents who were soldiers

A number of 19th century Presidents of the United States served in the U.S. army before they were elected to the office. Andrew Jackson, for instance, gained fame as the United States general who led American troops to victory against Britain in several battles of the War of 1812.

President Zachary Taylor became popular as a war hero through his successes in the Mexican-American War. Franklin Pierce served as the Brigadier General of the 9th Infantry of the U.S. army before becoming President. Ulysses S. Grant became a household name across United States as the Supreme Commander of the Union forces during the Civil War.

Most of these individuals gained widespread support and ultimately won the Presidential race because of the laurels they earned in various wars and battles.

19th Century America Presidents who were assassinated

Abraham Lincoln was the first American President who was assassinated. Lincoln was assassinated shortly after the Civil War ended in 1865. Another American President who was assassinated during the 19th century was James A. Garfield. Attempts were made on a number of other presidents during the period but they survived.